Veteran actor John Amos, known for his iconic roles in television and film, has died at the age of 84. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement.
Amos rose to prominence in the 1970s for his portrayal of James Evans Sr., the diligent father on the popular television series Good Times. He later won great acclaim for his performance as Kunta Kinte in Roots, a 1977 miniseries about the horrific reality of slavery that earned him an Emmy nomination.
In 1988, Amos appeared in Coming to America, playing Cleo McDowell alongside Eddie Murphy, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in both television and film.
“With deep sorrow, I announce the passing of my father,” Kelly Christopher Amos wrote. “He had the kindest heart and was universally admired. Many viewers regarded him as their television father. He led a fulfilling life, and his legacy will carry on via his outstanding work.
Amos passed away from natural causes on August 21 in Los Angeles.
In a recent interview, Amos reflected on the progress Hollywood has made regarding racial representation since the release of Roots over four decades ago. “Yes, we’ve made advances,” he said in an interview with Screen Rant. “But we still have work to do, even for white actors. Achieving true creative freedom is a lofty goal, but we’re making progress.”
John Amos leaves behind a rich legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.